Isuzu mu-X Facelift To Get A New 1.9-litre Diesel Engine

Isuzu will be launching the updatedmuXin the country around the 2018 festive seasonAlong with several additional features and noticeable aesthetic changes, themuX 2018will also come with a brand new diesel engine Isuzus new downsized 19litre Ddi Blue Power diesel, which was introduced internationally with the facelifted models of theDMax VCrossand the muX

The downsized diesel comes with an option of a 2WD (RWD) or a 4WD config and can conform to the upcoming BSVI emission norms

The 1.9-litre engine is rated at 164PS and 360Nm and primarily comes in a 2WD setup (drives the rear wheels), while the 4WD system is optional in other markets. The reason for the introduction of the new 1.9-litre diesel is that it is upgradable to BSVI emission norms, which will come into play from April 2020. We have learned that the current 3.0-litre diesel (177PS/380Nm) would not be able to meet the new stringent BSVI (= EuroVI) norms. The 1.9-litre is also mated an Aisin-borrowed 6-speed automatic, as opposed to the 5-speeder that’s offered in the pre-facelift model in India.

The 3.0-litre engine is only upgradable to Euro V emission norms, currently offered in Euro V config in Australia, which India is skipping it altogether. So, expect Isuzu to discontinue the 3.0-litre before April 2020. However, Isuzu has to come up with a more powerful version of the 1.9-litre diesel or an entirely new engine since the mu-X rivals offer more powerful diesel engines. The Endeavour packs a 3.2-litre diesel (200PS/470Nm), while the Fortuner is powered by a 2.8-litre engine (177PS/420Nm).

Apart from the updated mu-X, the D-Max V-Cross facelift is also expected to come with the new engine in the country. While the 1.9-litre is less powerful than the mu-X’s current 3.0-litre motor, it would be a major power bump in the case of the D-Max. The D-Max V-Cross, in India, is currently powered by a 2.5-litre diesel, which has already been discontinued in the international market. Isuzu is likely to introduce the updated D-Max sometime next year since it has recently introduced the 2018 model year pickup truck with additional features.